Scientists from the University of Valencia in Spain tackled this question and figured out whether we should actually be weary of the office K-cup coffee machine. By studying 10 Nespresso machines that were typically used two to 13 times per day, researchers were able to identify 35 to 67 different types of bacteria inside the tray that catches the extra water in the machine. Two of the main bacteria types that were found included Enterococcusand Pseudomonas.

For good measure, the scientists also studied Inissia Krups machines, also made by Nespresso, that were used three times a day over the course of two months. By the end of the study, researchers found traces of Enterococcusand Pseudomonas in the collection tray, proving that the machine causes the growth of the bacteria, rather than the people making the coffee.

But what does this mean for our safety? Manuel Porcar, co-author and biology scholar, tells Co.Design,

“The coffee from these kind of machines is perfectly safe. The tray containing the wasted capsules should be cleaned with water and soap, or a few drops of bleach…I want to stress that bacteria accumulate in the leach tray, not in the coffee itself. Nespresso coffee is microbiologically flawless.”

So if you ever have a spare minute at work, why not take one for the team and clean out that coffee machine? Your health may not depend on it, but your office will be sure to thank you.

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